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I bought a reasonably small echinodorus species (not sure which one actually) and my very first cryptocorne, the common wendti species. Total money spend, 6,50.

I also managed to get my hands on a bit of wendelov java fern

At this point the outlines were pretty much there.

The tank also seemed to be cycled so I transferred some shrimp and snails to add some movement while I Waited a few days to make sure it stayed cycled.

Equipment.. I got a 150 watt heater with the tank, that's now int he back left corner behind the vallis. The filter intake is on the right behind the wood. The spray bar is now on the left of the tank.

Filtration is provided by a second hand Eheim 2211 (20 bucks) which only needed a new shaft and bushing set (7 bucks). For peace of mind I added new hoses.
MEdia is a single white pad, a big load of JBL Micromec which claims to deliver 1500sqm of surface for one liter. (that's about 16000 square feet for 2 pints) and a blue medium sponge.

I've found eheim's equipment, even this basic no priming gadget filter, to be of excellent quality. Only thing that lets it down is the poor documentation.
Still.. this unit sits in the cabinet below the tank with a bit of insulation around it and I just don't hear it.

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.
Once you learn to quit, it becomes a habit. -Vince Lombardi
“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” ― John WoodenSandy Hook Elementary......Lest We Forget
See my profile for my tanks and what fish I keep